Bible Dictionary
Japhia
Japhia was the name of a king defeated by Joshua, a son of David, and a town on the boundary of Zebulun near Nazareth.
Definition
Japhia was the name of a Canaanite king, a son of David, and a town on the boundary of Zebulun. The king of Japhia joined the confederacy against Joshua and was defeated and slain.
Biblical Usage
Japhia the king is included among the rulers defeated during Joshua’s campaign. Japhia the son of David was born in Jerusalem. The town marked part of Zebulun’s boundary.
Historical Background
The town is identified with Yafa, about two miles southwest of Nazareth. The king is also called Horam and is described in an Amarna tablet as king of Gezer.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Splendid. (1.) The king of Lachish, who joined in the confederacy against Joshua (Josh. 10:3), and was defeated and slain. In one of the Amarna tablets he speaks of himself as king of Gezer. Called also Horam (Josh. 10:33). (2.) One of the sons of David (2 Sam. 5:15), born in Jerusalem. (3.) A town in the southern boundary of Zebulum (Josh. 19:12); now Yafa, 2 miles south-west of Nazareth.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(splendid). (splended) The boundary of Zebulun ascended from Daberath to Japhia, and thence passed to Gath-hepher. (Joshua 19:12) Yafa, two miles south of Nazareth, is not unlikely to be identical with Japhin.